Configuring virtual machine images in a networked computing environment

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a provided VM image is associated with a set of competing VM images (e.g., via a web-based portal). Once the competing VM image(s) are associated with the provided VM image, a designation of a set of statistical actions can be designated for the provided VM image. Thereafter, a performance of the provided VM image and a performance of each of the set of competing VM images are monitored with respect to a set of predetermined attributes. This allows the performance of the provided VM image to be compared to the performance of each of the set of corresponding VM images. Based on the comparison, at least one of the set of statistical actions can be performed. In a typical embodiment, a statistical action may result in an adjustment (upward or downward) of a value of an attribute of the provided VM image where the performance of the provided image is either under-performing or over-performing with respect to a competing VM image. For example, if the provided image is performing at a speed that is a certain percentage lower than that of its competitors, the speed can be increased by a predetermined amount/percentage.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present invention relates to virtual machine (VM) imagemanagement. Specifically, the present invention relates to theconfiguration of a VM image based upon a comparison of the performanceof the VM image to that of competing VM images.

BACKGROUND

The networked computing environment (e.g., cloud computing environment)is an enhancement to the predecessor grid environment, whereby multiplegrids and other computation resources may be further enhanced by anadditional abstraction layer (e.g., cloud layer), thus making disparatedevices appear to an end-consumer as a single pool of seamlessresources. These resources may include such things as physical orlogical computing engines, servers and devices, device memory, storagedevices, among others.

In a networked computing environment, a user may request an instance ofa virtual machine (VM). The VM can have multiple correspondingattributes (e.g., processor speed, disk capacity, memory capacity,etc.). However, challenges exist for configuring VM images (e.g.,determining values for such attributes). Accordingly, it is possiblethat the VM may not be optimally provisioned (e.g., it can beover-provisioned or under-provisioned).

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for configuringvirtual machine (VM) images in a networked computing environment (e.g.,a cloud computing environment). Specifically, in a typical embodiment, aprovided VM image is associated with a set of competing VM images (e.g.,via a web-based portal). Once the competing VM image(s) are associatedwith the provided VM image, a designation of a set of statisticalactions can be designated for the provided VM image. Thereafter, aperformance of the provided VM image and a performance of each of theset of competing VM images are monitored with respect to a set ofpredetermined attributes. This allows the performance of the provided VMimage to be compared to the performance of each of the set ofcorresponding VM images. Based on the comparison, at least one of theset of statistical actions can be performed. In a typical embodiment, astatistical action may result in an adjustment (upward or downward) of avalue of an attribute of the provided VM image where the performance ofthe provided image is either under-performing or over-performing withrespect to a competing VM image. For example, if the provided image isperforming at a speed that is a certain percentage lower than that ofits competitors, the speed can be increased by a predeterminedamount/percentage.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a computer-implementedmethod for configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networkedcomputing environment, comprising: associating a provided VM image witha set of competing VM images; receiving a designation of a set ofstatistical actions for the provided VM image; monitoring a performanceof the provided VM image and a performance of each of the set ofcompeting VM images, the monitoring being performed with respect to aset of predetermined attributes; comparing the performance of theprovided VM image to the performance of each of the set of competing VMimages; and performing at least one of the set of statistical actionsbased on the comparing.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a system forconfiguring virtual machine (VM) images in a networked computingenvironment, comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to the bus; and amemory medium coupled to the bus, the memory medium comprisinginstructions to: associate a provided VM image with a set of competingVM images; receive a designation of a set of statistical actions for theprovided VM image; monitor a performance of the provided VM image and aperformance of each of the set of competing VM images, the monitoringbeing performed with respect to a set of predetermined attributes;compare the performance of the provided VM image to the performance ofeach of the set of competing VM images; and perform at least one of theset of statistical actions based on the comparing.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer programproduct for configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networkedcomputing environment, the computer program product comprising acomputer readable storage media, and program instructions stored on thecomputer readable storage media, to: associate a provided VM image witha set of competing VM images; receive a designation of a set ofstatistical actions for the provided VM image; monitor a performance ofthe provided VM image and a performance of each of the set of competingVM images, the monitoring being performed with respect to a set ofpredetermined attributes; compare the performance of the provided VMimage to the performance of each of the set of competing VM images; andperform at least one of the set of statistical actions based on thecomparing.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for deployinga system for configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networkedcomputing environment, comprising: providing a computer infrastructurebeing operable to: receive a designation of a set of competing VM imagescorresponding to a provided VM image; receive a designation of a set ofstatistical actions for the provided VM image; monitor a performance ofthe provided VM image and a performance of each of the set of competingVM images with respect to a set of predetermined attributes; compare theperformance of the provided VM image to the performance of each of theset of competing VM images; and implement at least one of the set ofstatistical triggers based on the comparing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a system diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a view of a graphical user interface (GUI) according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts another view of a graphical user interface (GUI)according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a method flow diagram according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merelyschematic representations, not intended to portray specific parametersof the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typicalembodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numberingrepresents like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments will now be described more fully herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplaryembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and willfully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may beomitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do notdenote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of atleast one of the referenced items. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or“including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

As indicated above, embodiments of the present invention provide anapproach for configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networkedcomputing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment).Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a provided VM image is associatedwith a set of competing VM images (e.g., via a web-based portal). Oncethe competing VM image(s) are associated with the provided VM image, adesignation of a set of statistical actions can be designated for theprovided VM image. Thereafter, a performance of the provided VM imageand a performance of each of the set of competing VM images aremonitored with respect to a set of predetermined attributes. This allowsthe performance of the provided VM image to be compared to theperformance of each of the set of corresponding VM images. Based on thecomparison, at least one of the set of statistical actions can beperformed. In a typical embodiment, a statistical action may result inan adjustment (upward or downward) of a value of an attribute of theprovided VM image where the performance of the provided image is eitherunder-performing or over-performing with respect to a competing VMimage. For example, if the provided image is performing at a speed thatis a certain percentage lower than that of its competitors, the speedcan be increased be a predetermined amount/percentage.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description of cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded, automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active consumer accounts). Resource usage canbe monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for boththe provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). Theconsumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructureincluding network, servers, operating systems, storage, or evenindividual application capabilities, with the possible exception oflimited consumer-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication-hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove. In cloud computing node 10, there is a computersystem/server 12, which is operational with numerous other generalpurpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computersystem/server 12 include, but are not limited to, personal computersystems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-heldor laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloudcomputing environments that include any of the above systems or devices,and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computerreadable signal medium, which may include a propagated data signal withcomputer readable program code embodied therein (e.g., in baseband or aspart of a carrier wave). Such a propagated signal may take any of avariety of forms including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic,optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signalmedium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computerreadable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, ortransport a program for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on acomputer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate mediumincluding, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable,radio-frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of theforegoing.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a consumer to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via I/O interfaces22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one ormore networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via networkadapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should beunderstood that although not shown, other hardware and/or softwarecomponents could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12.Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers,redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems,tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as private, community,public, or hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms, and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include mainframes. In oneexample, IBM® zSeries® systems and RISC (Reduced Instruction SetComputer) architecture based servers. In one example, IBM pSeries®systems, IBM xSeries® systems, IBM BladeCenter® systems, storagedevices, networks, and networking components. Examples of softwarecomponents include network application server software. In one example,IBM WebSphere® application server software and database software. In oneexample, IBM DB2® database software. (IBM, zSeries, pSeries, xSeries,BladeCenter, WebSphere, and DB2 are trademarks of International BusinessMachines Corporation registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.) areprovided:

Virtualization layer 62 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers;virtual storage; virtual networks, including virtual private networks;virtual applications and operating systems; and virtual clients.

In one example, management layer 64 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning provides dynamic procurement of computingresources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks withinthe cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing provide costtracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computingenvironment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.Consumer portal provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management providescloud computing resource allocation and management such that requiredservice levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning andfulfillment provides pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloudcomputing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated inaccordance with an SLA. Also show in management layer 64 is a VM imageconfiguration function, which enables the embodiments of the presentinvention as set forth herein.

Workloads layer 66 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation; software development and lifecycle management; virtualclassroom education delivery; data analytics processing; transactionprocessing; and consumer data storage and backup. As mentioned above,all of the foregoing examples described with respect to FIG. 3 areillustrative only, and the invention is not limited to these examples.

It is understood all the functions of the present invention as describedherein typically may be performed by the VM image configurationfunctionality of management layer 64, which can be tangibly embodied asmodules of program code 42 of program/utility 40 (FIG. 1). However, thisneed not be the case. Rather, the functionality recited herein could becarried out/implemented and/or enabled by any of the layers 60-66 shownin FIG. 3.

It is reiterated that although this disclosure includes a detaileddescription of cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recitedherein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, theembodiments of the present invention are intended to be implemented withany type of networked computing environment now known or laterdeveloped.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a system for configuring VM images in anetworked computing environment is shown. As depicted, the systemcomprises a VM image configuration engine (engine 70). In a typicalembodiment, engine 70 can be implemented as program modules 42 ofprogram/utility 40 of FIG. 1 to carry out the functions of theembodiments of the present invention as described herein and representedby the VM Image configuration function shown in workloads layer 66 ofFIG. 2. Specifically, engine 70 can provide a web-based portal 73 or thelike through which a provided VM image 72 can be associated (e.g.,graphically) with a set of competing VM images 74. In addition,web-based portal 73 can also provide a way for an image provider todesignate a set of statistical actions 76 for the provided VM image 72.Once these tasks have been performed, engine 70 will monitorperformances of the provided VM image 72 as well as the competing VMimage(s) 74 with respect to a set of predetermined attributes. In atypical embodiment, the set of predetermined attributes can comprise atleast one of the following: an average processor usage, an average diskusage, an average life cycle, a number of running instances of acorresponding VM, or a cost of using the VM image (although this list isintended to be non-exhaustive).

The performance of the provided VM image 72 will then be compared to theperformance of each of the set of corresponding VM images. Based on thecomparison, at least one of the set of statistical actions 76 can beperformed. In general, the set of statistical actions 76 may comprise aproposed adjustment (e.g., a percentage adjustment) of a value of anattribute for the provided VM image (upward or downward) in response toa corresponding value of the attribute for the set of competing VMimages. This may typically occur when the value of a particularattribute for the provided VM image 72 varies from a corresponding valueof a competing VM image 74 by a predetermined threshold. Along theselines, engine 70 can comprise a rules engine or the like that has accessto a set of VM image configuration rules or the like. An example of arule may be as follows:

If the provided VM image 72 has a CPU speed that is more than 15% belowthe CPU speed of the slowest performing competing image, then the CPUspeed of the provided VM image 72 will be increased by 5%.

In any event, engine 70 can output or provide access to variousweb-based portals and/or user interfaces 73 and/or one or moredashboards 78 for VM image providers to provide VM images, associate VMimages with competing VM images, and/or designate statistical actions.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an example of a web-based portal in a dashboardformat (hereinafter view 80) is shown. As depicted, view 80displays/identifies multiple types of information such as: VM image name82, average percentage CPU usage 84 of the VM image, average disk usage86 of the VM image, average lifespan/life cycle 88 of the VM image,software installed 90 for the VM image, competing images 94 andpercentage thereof 92 of the VM image, current price 96 of the VM imageand a mechanism 98 for setting actions/triggers for the VM image. Usinglinks 94, a provider can set/associate its provided VM image (e.g.,Image 1) with a set of competing VM images. View 80 can also includeother information such as a total number of images provisioned in theassociated cloud.

Referring to FIG. 6, another view 100 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. In general, view 100 allows for statisticalactions to be defined. That is, view 100 allows for the rules that formthe basis of statistical actions (and that are utilized by engine 70 ofFIG. 4) to be defined. As shown, a user can first designate an event 82and an event parameter 84. Then, the user could designate a resultingaction 86 and an action parameter 88 for when the event occurs. Theexample shown indicates that if the competitive usage of a provided VMimage falls by 15%, the corresponding price of the provided VM image canbe reduced by 5% (e.g., to provide an incentive for greater use). Anyquantity of actions can be created, saved, and/or modified via view 100.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a method flow diagram according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted, in step S1, aprovided VM image is associated with a set of competing VM images. Instep S2, a designation of a set of statistical actions for the providedVM image is received. In step S3, a performance of the provided VM imageand a performance of each of the set of competing VM images aremonitored. As indicated above, the performances are monitored withrespect to a set of predetermined attributes. In step S4, theperformance of the provided VM image is compared to the performance ofeach of the set of competing VM images. In step S5, at least one of theset of statistical actions is performed based on the comparison.

While shown and described herein as a VM image configuration solution,it is understood that the invention further provides various alternativeembodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-readable/useable medium that includes computer program code toenable a computer infrastructure to provide VM image configurationfunctionality as discussed herein. To this extent, thecomputer-readable/useable medium includes program code that implementseach of the various processes of the invention. It is understood thatthe terms computer-readable medium or computer-useable medium compriseone or more of any type of physical embodiment of the program code. Inparticular, the computer-readable/useable medium can comprise programcode embodied one or more portable storage articles of manufacture(e.g., a compact disc, a magnetic disk, a tape, etc.), one or more datastorage portions of a computing device, such as memory 28 (FIG. 1)and/or storage system 34 (FIG. 1) (e.g., a fixed disk, a read-onlymemory, a random access memory, a cache memory, etc.).

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method that performs theprocess of the invention a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis.That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offerto provide VM image configuration functionality. In this case, theservice provider can create, maintain, support, etc., a computerinfrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1) that performs theprocesses of the invention for one or more consumers. In return, theservice provider can receive payment from the consumer(s) under asubscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider canreceive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-implemented method for a VM image configuration. In this case,a computer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1), can beprovided and one or more systems for performing the processes of theinvention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified,etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, thedeployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1) installingprogram code on a computing device, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1),from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computingdevices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/ormodifying one or more existing systems of the computer infrastructure toenable the computer infrastructure to perform the processes of theinvention.

As used herein, it is understood that the terms “program code” and“computer program code” are synonymous and mean any expression, in anylanguage, code, or notation, of a set of instructions intended to causea computing device having an information processing capability toperform a particular function either directly or after either or both ofthe following: (a) conversion to another language, code, or notation;and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. To this extent,program code can be embodied as one or more of: an application/softwareprogram, component software/a library of functions, an operating system,a basic device system/driver for a particular computing device, and thelike.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode can be provided hereunder and can include at least one processorcommunicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to memory elementsthrough a system bus. The memory elements can include, but are notlimited to, local memory employed during actual execution of the programcode, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage ofat least some program code in order to reduce the number of times codemust be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/outputand/or other external devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening device controllers.

Network adapters also may be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems,remote printers, storage devices, and/or the like, through anycombination of intervening private or public networks. Illustrativenetwork adapters include, but are not limited to, modems, cable modems,and Ethernet cards.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to aperson skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scopeof the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

1. A computer-implemented method for configuring virtual machine (VM)images in a networked computing environment, comprising: associating aprovided VM image with a set of competing VM images; receiving adesignation of a set of statistical actions for the provided VM image;monitoring a performance of the provided VM image and a performance ofeach of the set of competing VM images, the monitoring being performedwith respect to a set of predetermined attributes; comparing theperformance of the provided VM image to the performance of each of theset of competing VM images; and performing at least one of the set ofstatistical actions based on the comparing.
 2. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, the set of statistical actions comprising a proposedadjustment of a value of an attribute for the provided VM image inresponse to a corresponding value of the attribute for the set ofcompeting VM images.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, theperforming comprising causing the proposed adjustment when the valuevaries from the corresponding value by a predetermined threshold.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 3, the proposed adjustmentcomprising a percentage adjustment of the value.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, the set of predeterminedattributes comprising at least one of the following: an averageprocessor usage, an average disk usage, an average life cycle, a numberof running instances of a corresponding VM, or a cost of using the VMimage.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the associating ofthe provided image with the set of competing VM images and thedesignation of the set of statistical actions occurring via a web-basedportal.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the networkedcomputing environment comprising a cloud computing environment.
 8. Asystem for configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networkedcomputing environment, comprising: a bus; a processor coupled to thebus; and a memory medium coupled to the bus, the memory mediumcomprising instructions to: associate a provided VM image with a set ofcompeting VM images; receive a designation of a set of statisticalactions for the provided VM image; monitor a performance of the providedVM image and a performance of each of the set of competing VM images,the monitoring being performed with respect to a set of predeterminedattributes; compare the performance of the provided VM image to theperformance of each of the set of competing VM images; and perform atleast one of the set of statistical actions based on the comparing. 9.The system of claim 8, the set of statistical actions comprising aproposed adjustment of a value of an attribute for the provided VM imagein response to a corresponding value of the attribute for the set ofcompeting VM images.
 10. The system of claim 9, the memory mediumfurther comprising instructions to cause the proposed adjustment whenthe value varies from the corresponding value by a predeterminedthreshold.
 11. The system of claim 10, the proposed adjustmentcomprising a percentage adjustment of the value.
 12. The system of claim8, the set of predetermined attributes comprising at least one of thefollowing: an average processor usage, an average disk usage, an averagelife cycle, a number of running instances of a corresponding VM, or acost of using the VM image.
 13. The system of claim 8, the associationof the provided image with the set of competing VM images and thedesignation of the set of statistical actions occurring via a web-basedportal.
 14. The system of claim 8, the networked computing environmentcomprising a cloud computing environment.
 15. A computer program productfor configuring virtual machine (VM) images in a networked computingenvironment, the computer program product comprising a computer readablestorage media, and program instructions stored on the computer readablestorage media, to: associate a provided VM image with a set of competingVM images; receive a designation of a set of statistical actions for theprovided VM image; monitor a performance of the provided VM image and aperformance of each of the set of competing VM images, the monitoringbeing performed with respect to a set of predetermined attributes;compare the performance of the provided VM image to the performance ofeach of the set of competing VM images; and perform at least one of theset of statistical actions based on the comparing.
 16. The computerprogram product of claim 15, the set of statistical actions comprising aproposed adjustment of a value of an attribute for the provided VM imagein response to a corresponding value of the attribute for the set ofcompeting VM images.
 17. The computer program product of claim 16,further comprising program instructions stored on the computer readablestorage media to cause the proposed adjustment when the value variesfrom the corresponding value by a predetermined threshold.
 18. Thecomputer program product of claim 17, the proposed adjustment comprisinga percentage adjustment of the value.
 19. The computer program productof claim 15, the set of predetermined attributes comprising at least oneof the following: an average processor usage, an average disk usage, anaverage life cycle, a number of running instances of a corresponding VM,or a cost of using the VM image.
 20. The computer program product ofclaim 15, the association of the provided image with the set ofcompeting VM images and the designation of the set of statisticalactions occurring via a web-based portal.
 21. The computer programproduct of claim 15, the networked computing environment comprising acloud computing environment.
 22. A method for deploying a system forconfiguring virtual machine (VM) images in a networked computingenvironment, comprising: providing a computer infrastructure beingoperable to: receive a designation of a set of competing VM imagescorresponding to a provided VM image; receive a designation of set ofstatistical actions for the provided VM image; monitor a performance ofthe provided VM image and a performance of each of the set of competingVM images with respect to a set of predetermined attributes; compare theperformance of the provided VM image to the performance of each of theset of competing VM images; and implement at least one of the set ofstatistical triggers based on the comparing.